I know it’s only the first week of August but the month is starting off with a bang! Maybe that explains these unusually balmy, humid days we’ve been having here in Los Angeles… there’s just too much hot music! Anyway, there are plenty of great releases to cover but here are few I think you should dive into this weekend.
Kelela – “LMK”
I’ve been a big fan and supporter of Kelela for several years now. Her seductive voice combined with tantalizing production provides the quintessential soundtrack for particular activities…usually reserved for the P.M. 🙂 In fact, being on at 12-3am every Thursday, I can personally attest to Kelela’s music being perfect for the late night. So you can imagine how excited I was a couple of days ago when she announced she will be releasing her debut full length, Take Me Apart, on Oct 6th. “LMK” which stands for “Let Me Know”, is the first single off the project. In the song Kelela flips the heteronormative construct that all women want to “settle down”. After reading my description of the time of day her music is perfectly suited for, that should be no surprise. Take a listen.
By the way, she’ll performing at KCRW’s final World Festival concert this summer at the Hollywood Bowl on Sun, Sept 24th. Also on the bill: Solange, Blood Orange, Moses Sumney and KING. This is one not to be missed! Grab tix here.
Moon Boots – “I Want Your Attention” feat. Fiora
Moon Boots‘ sound is like the Goldilocks of dance music. Too much of today’s dance music is light and fluffy with all these happy sounds. You know the songs that make you feel like you should be running in a field of tulips surrounded by puppies with rainbows streaking across the sky? Then there are other tracks that are quite dark or are hyper aggressive with too many glitchy, mechanical sounds (tracks that only make sense when accompanied with certain umm pharmaceuticals). Then there’s Moon Boots…his music is just right. The Chicago-based DJ and producer makes dance music that encapsulates the perfect balance between these two dishes. MB’s music has just the right amount of deep bass and pop elements. Making his sound digestible no matter what time of day it is. Moon Boot’s debut First Landing was released today on Anjunadeep. Check this bowl of porridge he calls “I Want Your Attention” feat. Fiora
Quiñ – “Sticky Situation” feat. Syd
This Los Angeles-based songstress is a true artist indeed. Quiñ has the look, the attitude, flare, style and skills that one requires to capture your imagination. Oh yeah, and her music is pretty damn good too. Her music is a mix of Syd (The Internet) and Little Dragon with dash of the sultriness you get from Sade. I’ve been following Quiñ’s career for about 2 years now and though the world is now just getting to know this young lady, I can tell you for a fact that’s she’s been impressive since day one and is only getting better. She just dropped the video to “Sticky Situation” a couple of days ago, which she co-wrote with the aforementioned Syd. It’s the first single from a forthcoming EP due out on Sept 1st.
(Kelela photo by Wunmi Onibudo)